Being a part of a community provides a rewarding experience that makes someone feel included and supported. At LFHS, Scout Buddies is not only the perfect opportunity to get involved with the school, but a way to connect with others and make those with special needs receive the love and attention they deserve.
Scout Buddies connects students with special needs with other students to foster connections by offering them a space to be unapologetically themselves. Every other Thursday, the club meets in the senior commons and does a new activity. Between karaoke, drawing, a talent show, and more, the activities encourage those with special needs to interact with others and take risks.
I have been a part of Scout Buddies since my freshman year, and it has been one of my most rewarding experiences at LFHS. When I first joined, I thought the club would just be focused on helping others, but I soon learned that the club helped me as well. The friendships each member forms are real and lasting. When we cheer each other on and learn new ways to communicate, we all gain a better understanding of what it means to appreciate others’ differences and be inclusive.
What makes Scout Buddies truly special is that it strengthens the connections in the school community. Some students who are more introverted gain confidence while we cheer them on; others learn patience and new ways to listen. This growth makes not only them feel good about themselves, but it brings me joy to watch them thrive. .
Not all high schools offer a club for students with special needs, which is unfortunate. Without a club like Scout Buddies, students miss out on the chance to experience just how powerful shared laughter can be when it comes to creating a bond. On Thursday afternoons, differences fade away and are replaced by passionate karaoke renditions in the commons or colorful chalk drawings decorating the front walkway.
High school experiences can sometimes feel like a collection of separate worlds, where all of us are divided by grade levels, class schedules, or friend groups. Scout Buddies challenges this misconception by finding ways to unite separate worlds. In doing so, the club reminds us that inclusion is not something that just happens: it takes work. There have to be students who are committed to making a difference; that’s what makes Scout Buddies so special. It not only changes those who are members of the club, but impacts the whole school community for the better.
